Tag Archives: Pumps

Fresh on the heels of the 10 year anniversary of the iconic Pigalle stiletto pump, Christian Louboutin’s new collection is a veritable bevy of sporty influence, rock and roll chic, and vibrant femininity that proves, yet again, why Louboutins are still the Go-To brand for every fashion forward fashionista.

The thing we love about Christian Louboutin’s Spring/Summer collections (other than everything) is that they are always unafraid of making a bold, colorful statement. From patent leather to PVC, from gotta-look-twice embellished wedges to the iconic So Kate in metallic python leather, the SS15 collection is all about putting your best foot forward and strutting with confidence. Though it’s difficult to narrow our favorite designs, we can’t stop looking at the incredibly vibrant fringe of the Otrot stiletto and the phenomenal new interpretation of the Mea Culpa that is done in a warm gold and polished off with an elongated and elegant curved collar vamp.

The Mea Culpa isn’t the only style that has had a bit of an update and we can’t take our eyes off of the unique revamp of Louboutin’s sexy signature stiletto, a curved vamp design that continues down to a serpentine heel. That striking wavy design appears in multiple iterations, such as the Dalida, the Deepik, and the Vagachina, but our favorite has to be the Dalida d’orsay design done in patent opaline leather – the curved heel and stitched motif makes it a must-have for the upcoming sunny months.

As if that wasn’t enough (we’re trying to contain our gushing), Louboutin’s 130mm is back and sexier than ever, replete with t-straps, colorful patterns, and peep-toes. We can already picture the sky-high platform pumps on the heels of Dita Von Teese and other style-icon daredevils!

Taylor Schilling wore Giuseppe Zanotti pumps to the Season 2 premiere of ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Season Two premiere held at The Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. They’re from the Spring 2012 collection featuring mirrored silver leather and black patent leather cap-toe. They’re available in white patent leather at FarFetch or yellow patent leather at ShoeScribe.

The 29-year-old plays the lead role of Piper Chapman in the popular comedy-drama series. Taylor arrived wearing a noir multi skull print neoprene high neck bell sleeve midi dress from Monique Lhuillier’s ready-to-wear Fall 2014 collection.

It’s hard to believe that Giuseppe Zanotti’s twenty year road to success was not paved in stiletto-friendly golden cobblestones. He reminisced to WWD, “I started with stilettos that were superglam, superfeminine and sexy — and the business was a flop. For the first two or three seasons, it was a tragedy.” With the ink still damp on his LMVH partnership and an ever-growing fanbase, it’s hard to envision a fashion world bereft of his sleek and sexy footwear. It makes you want to go into your closet, pick up your favorite Zanotti stiletto – at least four inches high – and feel thankful that we live in an age of sass, verve, and sartorial savviness.

So, how doesGiuseppe Zanotti celebrate twenty phenomenally successful years in fashion? Not with a tell-all book or autobiographical movie, but – as per our expectations from the Italian footwear maestro – with more shoes; a four part delightful capsule collection, to be precise. Taking inspiration from the past while looking to the future is innovative and clever, a way to pay homage to those who were with him at the start of his journey to new coming fans that can’t get enough of his trademark snake embellishments.

With the gorgeously glamorous Spring 2014 collection still fresh in our minds (and hearts, and dreams…you get the picture), we were wondering how those exotic and quintessential Zanotti themes would appear in an autumnal context. If we had any doubts that he still had it (we didn’t, this is hypothetical), they would have been swept away by golden snake-embossed leather slingback stilettos and gotta-look-twice red quilted leather moto heels.

Glitter, suede, and python-embossed leather – oh my! This collection is one to start budgeting for, carrying designs fit for every lifestyle and fashion twist. From the stunning geometric suede and rhinestone-embellished booty to the golden leafy filigree on an open-toed sandal; from the glittery flat boot to the crimson mule; just when you think Zanotti can’t top his last collection, he finds a way to make you lust after a pair of kitten heels. And, really, is that not real power? In addition to the flattering and statement making silhouettes, there is a plethora of dainty silver chains, buckles, calf hair, snake emblems, and gold plating to make sure that one look from onlookers will have them keeling over in envy.

If these designs are any indication of the genius of Zanotti, we can only imagine the adept hand and skill used to craft his 40th anniversary. That’s just around the corner, right?

Gold filigree sandal in black suede embellished with gold leaves embroiderey and clusters of crystals; available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Cut-out black suede sandal with crystal embellished buckles down the side; available at Neiman Marcus

Jennifer Lopez was spotted on the set of ‘American Idol’ Season 13 wearing Ivy KirzhnerPyramid pumps. She’s worn these several times on the show featuring grey snakeskin, 145mm heel and signature hand-enameled cloissoné casted-metal platform. Pyramid is available in several styles including rose gold leather, natural seasnake and neon pink snakeskin at Ivy Kirzhner.

She also wore an H&M white babydoll lace dress with a high neck, sheer long sleeves and scalloped eyelash trim from the Conscious Collection. With the front section of her hair pinned back, Jennifer complemented the look with flawless-looking makeup and shimmery light pink lip.

Even though she’s known as a quirky fashion risk-taker and has worn outfits inspired from almost every decade, this dress in particular is a perfect fit for her shape, personality and style. Katy posed wearing a long black halterneck Versace frock split on both sides revealing a shorter mini skirt with peekaboo neon yellow lining and a keyhole back.

Jayma Mays wore Jimmy ChooAnouk pumps to the 2014 Kids’ Choice Awards held at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles. They feature metallic citrine watersnake and 120mm heel. We’ve also seen these shoes on Shay Mitchell. Anouk is available in metallic claret (on sale!) at Bluefly.

With her signature copper hair full of voluminous texture, she finished her look with a warm coral brown lip and evergreen smokey eye makeup. Other accessories included a Vincent minaudière in sea glass from Rebecca Minkoff ‘s Summer 2013 collection and Coomi gold hoop earrings.

When it comes to modern, iconic footwear – a brand that ceaselessly melds class and infectious sex appeal into every design, there is only one brand that (rightfully) springs to mind: Christian Louboutin. A designer so obsessed with his craft that he slept in his design studio for eight years while launching his career into stratospheric heights, it isn’t remotely surprising that he consistently delivers jaw dropping collections.

The Fall 2014 collection – the one we had a glorious, if fleeting, sneak peek of back in March – showcases Louboutin’s love of versatility, as well as his total adoration of fabulous, ankle-breaking heights.

Lovely floral prints, delicate laser cut filigree and strappy styles in both classic and rich suedes harken back to the iconic Louboutin image that grab celebrity ambassadors by the handful. Our favorite twist on the classic? Louboutin’s ingenious use of crackled metallic leather; we’d call it the new snakeskin, but judging from his pristine use of python in some of the other designs, we have to consider the gorgeous crackled metallic in a league all of its own.

One of the most notable silhouette additions comes from the dramatically corset-laced sculpted pumps, first seen on the Fall 2014 Marchesa runway. Initially inspired by ballet, the Conquilla lace-up concave wedges are one part kink and two parts “please get in my closet, now.” However, those aren’t the only soles to make a massive visual impact; for example, the Pigalle Follies Strass are crystal-studded masterpieces that we would possibly give up croissants for life in order to have. We also see candy-colored studs used elsewhere, both complementing metallic hues and floating atop of clear PVC.

Other gotta-look-twice features of the collection include lattice-like laser cut suede, oversized grommets accented with whipstitch trim and glitter infused sheer fishnet.

The brand that has forever cemented red-lacquered soles and Christian Louboutin’s legacy into the Fashion Dictionary (chicly sandwiched between Chloé and Coco Chanel) has done it yet again. Whether you’re a woman who gravitates to Louboutin’s classic and sleek designs, or if the mixed media Aztec, Galata, and Gortik designs are right up your edgy alley, this legendary designer has got you covered.

Allegra cut-out sandal bootie in leather & suede with a 120mm heel and front tie fastening; as seen on Marion Cotillard

If you find the fashion weeks-slash-month completely exhausting, have no fear! We have compiled the must know, must-have shoe sightings from the Fall 2014 runways so you don’t have to! First stop? New York City.

Credit: Now Fashion, Vogue & ELLE

If New York Fashion Week had a line that epitomized romance and luxury, without a doubt it would be Marchesa. Since 2004, Georgina and Keren Craig have been designing and creating some of the most beautiful red carpet looks this side of Valentino. The sumptuous tulle and whimsical lace of Marchesa’s gowns were only complemented by the shoes, designed by none other than Christian Louboutin. From devilishly colored multi-buckle suede ankle booties to dazzling copper hued lacy pumps, as the show progressed the soles only became more enviable. The combination of calf hair and embroidery can only be classified as daring! It’s hard for us to pick a favorite, but we lovedthe concave wedge that – at first glance – made the models look like ballerinas standing en pointe.

Credit: Style.com & ELLE

Credit: ELLE, Vogue, Style.com

Credit: ELLE

At first glance, Ruthie Davis for Duckie Brown sounds like a very peculiar combination. After all, Ruthie Davis has made her name by confronting conventions head on and changing them – her shoes drip with not only femininity, but sassiness. Her brand is all about modernity and romance without fussiness. And Duckie Brown? Duckie Brown is a brand dedicated to dressing men in dapper duds, this season marking the brand’s first foray into womanswear. The result was extraordinarily complementary; Duckie Brown’s menswear aesthetic fit beautifully with the clean, color blocked lines of Ruthie Davis’ playful jewel tone pumps. We can only hope this is the start of a long-standing collaboration.

Credit: ELLE

We are huge fans of Gio Diev’s sensual yet futuristic approach to shoes (hello! We’re still obsessing over his Spring 2014 collection!), so when we heard that he was going to be designing the shoes for Sally LaPointe’s Fall 2014 collection we could hardly contain our excitement. The ankle booties are one of the highlights of the collection, crafted out of supple leather, luxurious snakeskin, exotic stingray, and – just because everyone needs a bit of edge to their wardrobe – phenomenal calf hair. They’re practical, yet elegant. Perfect for adding sophistication to any autumnal look.

Credit: ELLE

There was something decidedly heady about Veronica Beard’s line this season – it could be the way the boho dresses dripped with California cool or the way the jacquard printed matching separates took you back to the best of 70s fashion. A fabulously fashionable collection topped off with sky-high Moiki heels by Rupert Sanderson, who always knows how to make a woman’s choice in footwear the talk of the party. The strappy heels appeared in three variations: not-s-classic black, space-age silver, and color blocked with pink, mustard yellow, and black.

Credit: Vogue & ELLE

If we could sum up the Fall 2014 collection by Altuzarra, we’d have to put it somewhere between simplicity, luxury, and wardrobe staple. It isn’t surprising that the shoes from Altuzarra’s collection match that “wear me everywhere” vibe, because timelessness with a kick is what Gianvito Rossi specializes in. We love the take on a loafer-pump as well as the boots with cut-out accents. The natural color palette (greys, browns, and blacks) provides maximum accessibility and versatility – we can picture the ankle booties in the office as well as a dinner date with the girls.

Credit: ELLE

Cesare Casadei and Prabal Gurung have been collaborating since the Spring 2013 season – it’s no mystery why they’ve kept the relationship strong: the shoes are consistently divine. This time around, Casadei created gorgeously bejeweled pumps exclusive for Prabal Gurung that perfectly blend Gurung’s tactile and experimental aesthetic with the feminine flair indicative of their brand. The shoes are one part costume jewelry, two parts menswear brogue, and all fierce. Coming in an array of colors, we can picture these statement heels taking the place of baubles any day.

Okay, we have a confession: we can predict the future. We can’t divulge all of the juicy details, but we are willing to tell you one thing – our bank accounts are going to be hurting and our wardrobes will be screaming in joy. Why? Because Sophia Webster’s latest collaboration with J.Crew for their Fall 2014 collection is utter perfection. Beautiful prints, color blocking, strappy pumps, and glittery heels are the star components of the collection. We’re not surprised that J.Crew’s prep-meets-edge aesthetic pairs so beautifully with Sophia Webster’s color, prints, and pizazz style, we just hope that the two fashion powerhouses continue to collaborate for years to come.

Credit: Vogue & ELLE

Without a doubt, one of the most luxurious and supple collections of New York Fashion Week was brought to us by Jason Wu. Crushed velvet, fur, marled wool, and sequins so subtle that they catch the light like diamonds were only parts of the ingenious line. Jason Wu’s sumptuous collection was topped off with a beautiful t-strap pump, done in a few variations. The classic, wear-me-everywhere heel came in oxblood, mirrored silver, and a patent black (sometimes color blocked all in one style!). We also love the oxford ankle bootie that made an appearance – one part pilgrim, three parts runway heartstopper, it was a show stealer.

Credit: ELLE

Rodarte’s homage to the seventies, complete with Star Wars iconography and drawstring high-waist pants, is polarizing in its unabashed use of glitter and lurex. The kitschy, thrifty vibe was found from the top of the sparkly berets and down to the tips of the models’ feet. Modest buckles and sequined socks abound, the Mulleavy sister’s footwear is as unique as they are. If you’re not into their idiosyncratic reinterpretation of the flatform, they also have a collection of pumps that range from work-ready snakeskin beige to club-ready bejeweled turquoise.

Credit: ELLE

Narciso Rodriguez’ collection was a perfect meld of casual and sophisticated. The looks are slouchy without being sloppy and the overall feel is one of effortless minimalism. Even the footwear appears modest at first glance. However, the initial thought of simplicity is erased upon further inspection; though streamline and modern, the shoes are definitely a step above the rest. Dramatic takes on a d’orsay heel – the thick strap along the ankle is both fabulous and practical – and color blocked booties with supple leather and snake skin have us going back for another look.

Credit: ELLE

Oscar de la Renta certainly knows his audience, creating stellar red carpet ready gowns and suit separates designed to become classics season, but this season left us feeling a bit cold. Luckily, where this season’s wigs were arguably horrible and many of the looks bored on the unfortunate side of matronly, the accessories were full of the spark and verve we’ve come to expect from Oscar de la Renta’s lux designs. Exotic and ornately patterned laser cut leather? Check. Embellished heeled sandals? Check. Feather and bead embroidered platforms? Check, check, check. They’re so classy and so chic, you’ll by opera tickets just to show them off.

Credit: Vogue & ELLE

Alexander Wang’s utilitarian collection met head on with state-of-the-art techniques (color changing leather? Be still our fluttering hearts); the outdoorsy sentiments were irrevocably high fashion, making it another iconic collection from the flourishing designer. His shoes received the same amazing treatment. The exaggerated height of the over-the-knee boot – done in a gorgeous combination of mid-tone brown and black with a shock of pure white – have a practical vibe that make them beg to be worn during your city’s next Snowmageddeon. Wang also created a peculiar take on the mule, with a thick heel and a very overstated vamp. They might not be for everyone, but man are they cool.

Credit: ELLE

Leave it to Monique Lhuillier to create a show that practically drips with femininity, from the floral embellishments down to the lacy ankle and knee-high boots. We love how, when other designers seem bent on modernizing and streamlining their collections, she remains unafraid to revel in the frivolity. Candy pink sandals embellished with lace? Well, yes, if you insist! Also worth mentioning? The dramatically shaped d’orsay pump, constructed partially out of PVC to hold its theatrical silhouette.

Credit: ELLE

Diane von Fürstenberg’s collection was classy with an edge, filled with pieces that would seamlessly go from day-to-night without so much as a jacket change. However, our favorite part of the collection wasn’t the eclectic prints or sensible totes, but the crazy amazing selection of pumps and wedges. Dramatic suede heeled sandals were accented with gold leather piping, mesh was embellished with darling suede hearts that scream “don’t just wear me on Valentine’s Day, wear me everywhere!” and modern looking wedges that were completed by a stellar mirrored gold heel. Black, gold, and red is a timeless combination – Diane von Fürstenberg just gave it a kick of sass.

Credit: ELLE

The sensible schoolgirl aesthetic of Marissa Webb’s collection was given a much needed dose of attitude via kickass footwear. High stilettos with snaking laces that would make Roberto Cavalli proud and gorgeous blocky ankle booties might seem dour in color, but are jam packed with attitude. Suddenly, tweed doesn’t seem so prim and proper!

Credit: ELLE

Credit: Vogue IT & ELLE

Jerome C Rousseau’s work with Lela Rose this season marks his very first – we know, it’s hard to believe that he’s not on every NYC designer’s speed dial! – runway collaboration and to soaring success. The eclectic vibe of Rousseau’s shoes perfectly matched the quirky edge that Lela Rose used in her collection (think: feathers, gem embellishments, sequins, and ombre hues). Though we love the metallic ombre glitter booties and his tell-tale thorny heel, our favorite shoe from this collaboration is the mesh peep-toe bootie. Swoon!

Katya Leonovich’s Fall 2014 collection was all about futuristic, science fiction designs with a very seductive kick. Metallic, semi-sheer dresses and oblong silhouettes were complimented by sleek soles from Tania Spinelli. We love the amazing selection of boots she provided, thigh-high to ankle, lush suede to shiny gunmetal – we almost paid more attention to them than the line of clothes (woops!). But, we’re not surprised that we love the shoe selection; when Tania Spinelli is doing the designing, you know the product will be amazing.